Historical Society Learns about
Resources and Activities at
Archives and History Library

The Roane County Historical Society [R.C.H.S.] met on Thursday, December 17, 2009 for their regular monthly meeting. Mr. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order; the opening prayer was led by Mrs. Carol Board-Westfall and the Pledge to the Flag was recited. Twelve members and three guests were present.
The treasurer?s report was given by Mrs. Carol Board-Westfall reflecting an excellent balance to start 2010. Mrs. Linda Liss, Corresponding & Membership Secretary, reported that she has made many follow-up membership contacts over the past month resulting in five membership renewals and three new memberships. The current membership is 179. The annual Membership & Surnames Directory is ready to send to the printer, and membership cards not already given to members will be included with the directory mailing.
Mrs. Carol Cronin, newsletter editor, reported that the Winter issue of ?The Roane County Journal? is nearly ready to go to the printer.
The January or February ?work day? for the R.C.H.S.?s library will be scheduled and perspective workers will be contacted by phone or e-mail.
Mark your calendar. Saturday, September 25, 2010 has been scheduled for our 16th Annual Roane County Genealogy Fair. As in the past two years, the fair will be held at the Heritage Park community building. You will be hearing much more about this annual event.
Mr. Joseph Geiger, Jr., Director of the WV Archives & History Library in Charleston, was the evening?s guest speaker. Mr. Geiger became Director of the Archives? History Section in January 2009, but has worked with that agency since 1998. He has also served as adjunct professor in the history department at Marshall University in Huntington for the past 11 years.
Mr. Geiger brought the historical society up-to-date on many programs and activities in which the Archives and History Library is involved. He also spoke about resources offered to budding or long-time genealogists and others doing serious research on historical topics.
Did you know ?
- That the State Archives & History Dept. was instrumental in replacing or refurbishing 218 state highway historical markers,
- That the department had first-hand input in researching the 11,427 names for the Veteran?s Memorial at the State Capitol Complex, which was rededicated November 10, 2009,
- That the Archives & History department offers Grants for historical preservation projects,
- That a Civil War Soldiers & Sailors database is available
- That the West Virginia Vital Research Records database has new servers that they are now up-and-running quickly and smoothly. Researchers can access WV Birth, Death & Marriage records on line, for free, in the comfort of their own home,
- That several informative, genealogical in nature, workshops are being scheduled on Tuesdays at the Archives Library,
- That in conjunction with the Dept. of Education, a WV Golden Horseshoe Test database is being offered, and
- That the Archives & History Library is constantly searching for new and innovative ways to get young folk involved in West Virginia?s history and family genealogy?
Mr. Geiger provided many other ideas and food for thought not covered in this article. We thank him for sharing a busy December schedule with us.
The next regular meeting of the R.C.H.S will be held Thursday, March 25th, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at the Roane County Library. Members are urged to attend and guests are welcomed.
The meeting adjourned with refreshments being served to the following attendees: Our guest speaker, Joe Geiger, Jr., Rick Greathouse, Edward and Carol Board-Westfall, Paul Hughes, Duane and Adith Spencer, Carol Cronin, Susan Tucker, Okey and Mary Young, Brenda Konarske, Claudia Jorgensen, Hazel Gandee, and Linda Cottrell Liss.
For more information about the R.C.H. S. or material in this article, you may contact Linda Cottrell Liss by e-mail at WVRoots@aol.com